Edith Doloris (Neal) Ray

Edith D Ray

March 17, 1938 - June 6, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edith D. Ray, 87, of Brazoria, Texas. Edith was born to Walter and Blanche Neal on March 17, 1938, in Canton, North Carolina. Edith and her three sisters had many stories of their adventures growing up in the Smoky Mountains and all the fun and trouble that happened along the way. However, Edith’s greatest story was of how she met, grew up and married the love of her life John (Johnny) Ray. Together, they created a story that could never be recreated, but was one everyone wanted to emulate. They were happily married for 65 years.

Johnny and Edith grew up in the same town, attended the same birthday parties and eventually fell in love. Edith married Johnny at 18 years old. Two days later they left for Texas because Johnny had a job offer that they hoped would help them have a better life.

And a better, richer life is what they had. During this time, Edith made many friends that lasted her entire lifetime. She was an incredible, self taught book keeper and began to work for Mr. Cohn’s Alpha Fireworks store in Houston, Texas, and held this role for many years.

Her and Johnny went on to have two children, Philip and Susan. Edith was determined for her children to have a better childhood than she did. She was involved in everything that they were. She became concession stand manager for Brazoria Little League, she was involved in Girl Scouts and even substitute taught at the schools. She was always there to help and support her kids, even if it meant helping with their newspaper delivery route.

Edith went on to work for Doctor Grady. She loved learning from him and all of the people that she worked with. It was during this time that she “earned” enough experience for her family to jokingly call her Dr. Ray. Edith was always quick to research or google someone’s symptoms to get them a faster diagnosis (many times she was right). Edith also volunteered with youth services because she knew the importance of children having stability.

When Johnny and Edith moved to Brazoria, they created a neighborhood family. Edith quickly became the neighborhood mom. She was always ready to give advice, feed someone a meal or just allow someone to live with them because they needed a place to stay.

This mentality moved her and Johnny to buy and build rental properties designed to help young families get established, better their lives and hopefully change their future. Hundreds of families have now lived in their rent houses which were designed to be nice but affordable.

Edith loved being a mom, but one of her favorite roles was being a “Mamaw,” She had four grandchildren - Tabitha, Coby, Ashlyn and Rachel. She was always there for them. She was always willing to feed them a meal, give them a sweet treat or watch them play in the pool for hours. As they grew older, she became a source of wisdom and would share her stories making sure they never forget their roots and where their family came from.

In 2024, she finally was upgraded to the title she deserved, “Great Grandma.”  She loved her great grandson Cyrus and was so entertained by his antics and love for her cane and walker. Before she passed away, he learned to say Mamaw which thrilled her to no end. She was so looking forward to meeting her two other great grandchildren who are on the way, one her first great granddaughter, Eden, due in June and the other due in early 2026.

Edith will be missed by all of those who knew her. She leaves behind her son, Philip and wife Debbie Ray of Brazoria; daughter, Susan and husband Deryl Tumlinson of Angleton; Grandchildren, Tabitha and husband David Walles; Coby Tumlinson and partner Carter Looney of Austin; Ashlyn Tumlinson of Angleton and Rachel and husband Zackary Doughty of Angleton. Great Grandchild, Cyrus Walles of Brazoria; a great granddaughter, Eden Walles due in June and another recently announced great grandchild due in early 2026. Her nieces, Karen Rathbone of Canton, North Carolina; Melisa Hammond of Lake Jackson and great niece Lora Rathbone of Charlotte, NC, held a special place in her heart. Edith also left behind a host of other relatives and friends who were really more like family.

Edith is preceded in death by the love of her life Johnny Ray; her parents, Walter and Blanche; her three sisters Joanna Penland; Helen Freeman and Judy VanNewhouse.

A celebration of Edith’s life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Brazoria First Assembly of God. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by Pastor Bethany Johnson of Deerpark’s Faithbridge Church.  Burial will follow at Brazoria Cemetery in Brazoria, TX.

Active Pallbearers are Alex VanNewhouse, Coby Tumlinson, Carter Looney, David Walles, Zackary Doughty and Zack Henson.

Honorary Pallbearers are Ashlyn Tumlinson, Cyrus Walles, Karen Rathbone, Lora Rathbone, Melisa Hammond, Rachel Doughty and Tabitha Walles.

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria.  (979) 798-9113.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edith Doloris (Neal) Ray, please visit our floral store.